| WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 14, 2011) - The U.S. Department of Commerce's Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) today announced approximately $4.3 million in funding over the next five years for three new MBDA Business Centers (MBC) in Boston, Mass., Minneapolis, MN, and Riverside, CA to stimulate job creation and support the economic growth of minority firms across the United States. By investing in local communities across the nation, the Obama Administration continues to demonstrate its commitment to take actions designed to put more Americans to work and foster economic growth.
The new centers will join a nationwide network of MBDA Business Centers that provide assistance to local minority entrepreneurs and business owners by offering strategic business consulting services focusing on large public and private contracts, financing, and access to global markets. With help from the new MBCs, minority-owned businesses can learn how to boost their exports in support of global competitiveness and the overall growth of the national economy. "Minority-owned businesses are an integral part of the local, national and global business communities," said MBDA National Director David Hinson. "The services they provide and the jobs they create generate trillions of dollars in economic output. By investing in our Business Centers, we are ensuring that minority-owned businesses get the direct assistance they need to be successful and vital contributors to the U.S. economy." The MBC program is a key component of the overall portfolio of minority business development services offered by MBDA and was recently restructured to extend cooperative agreements from three to five years and expand the MBC nationwide network.
"The Greater New England Minority Supplier Development Council (GNEMSDC) is excited to be the Project Operator for the new MBDA Business Center in Boston," said Dr. Fred McKinney, CEO and President of the GNEMSDC. "We believe that the Center will lead to minority business enterprise growth, greater employment and more economically vibrant and diverse communities."
About the MBDA
MBDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, promotes the growth and global competitiveness of the minority business community, making them better equipped to create jobs, impact local economies and compete successfully in domestic and global marketplaces. With a nationwide network of more than 45 business centers and strategic partners, MBDA assists minority entrepreneurs and business owners with consulting services, contract and financing opportunities, bonding and certification services, building business-to-business alliances and executive training. | 
